I am very conscious that this is being read on April Fool's Day but not much levity to be found in Westminster this week. Probably my highlight was not to be found in London, but in the brilliant event hosted by the Romsey Chamber of Commerce, with Jo Ibbott and Ruth Taylor, in the Town Hall on Monday evening. "What the Fog" was an evening dedicated to talking about menopause, nutrition, HRT, support in the workplace, and I really enjoyed it (even if it did mean I missed several votes and by the time I got to London we were on a one line whip).
The following day we heard that 20 fixed term penalty notices had been issued as a result of lockdown parties in Downing Street, and I decided to opt out of the Parliamentary Party dinner that evening. I have been very clear on my view is that the vast majority of my constituents abided by lockdown rules, and I know many feel very let down.
I was not able to attend the Liaison Committee with the Prime Minister this week as I was chairing the Women and Equalities Select Committee which happened at the same time. It also meant I was not able to participate in the debate on the Health and Social Care Bill. And to cap it all my train on Wednesday night developed a fault and I had an enjoyable stop over in the dead of night at Wimbledon. As I write this I still don't know how long I will be there, and whether I will get home tonight, which given my first meeting on Thursday is at 08.15 it hasn't given me a very jolly mood. It does give a little insight into the frustrations of those who have to do this trip on a daily basis!
